Fish On I'll Get the Net
Dryden, Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 01/27/2005
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Can someone tell me the proper way to test a breakaway switch on a 5th wheel?
Thanks
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TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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Joined: 11/17/2000
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First disconnect your brake controller as it can fry some of them. Pull the pin and see if the brakes are on hy trying to pull the trailer.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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Do this when the umbilical cord is NOT hooked to your truck (could damage your brake controller)
*Pull the plunger out.
*Listen for the brakes to lock up. You will hear the pads slam closed or hear a hum at the wheels.
*Lube the plunger and push it back in.
*Don't leave it out too long or it might burn up the magnets on your brakes.
You must have you batteries installed.
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane"
GMC Duramax/Allison (LBZ)
Komfort 277TS Our Rig Picture
Reese Dual Cam HP
Lots of other stuff nobody cares about
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Humpty
Clayton, NC
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Joined: 04/20/2006
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How I test mine
1. Place something in the bed behind the hitch for the break away cable to catch on.
2. Make a sharp turn on to a very busy street or highway.
When the trailer tires lock and you are stuck blocking multiple lanes of traffic, you will know for sure that the break away system works. 
2007 Challenger 33DBB w/ Sidewinder
2002 Chevy 3500 CC DRW D/A
B&W Companion Hitch / Prodigy
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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Humpty wrote:How I test mine
1. Place something in the bed behind the hitch for the break away cable to catch on.
2. Make a sharp turn on to a very busy street or highway.
When the trailer tires lock and you are stuck blocking multiple lanes of traffic, you will know for sure that the break away system works.
Perfect..except you forgot to tell him to bring his wife along so she can add to the stress by chirping at him the whole time...
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Bob Vaughn
Seffner, Fl.
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Joined: 06/19/2007
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My sons got pulled out making a sharp turn and it would not go back in until he disconnected it from the battery....
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joshuajim
Mojave Desert
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Joined: 04/29/2006
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You can also use a compass. Pull the plug per the above precautions then bring the compass near each wheel. The magnet, if energized, will pull the needle towards it.
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Road Runners
Tampa Bay, Florida
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Joined: 12/19/2001
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I tested mine inadvertantly. When I was hooking up the fiver somehow I pulled out the plunger on the switch. Wife and I were seated in the truck ready to go, but the fiver did not want to move. After a bit of consternation I wondered if the breakaway switch had failed. Upon inspection I saw the problem and with the plug inserted we were on our way.
'05' F-250 Power Stroke
'00' 30' Cameo Fifth Wheel
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